2016 Rubber Duck Derby To Be Held On June 5th

Friends of Hospice together with BELCO today [April 12] launched the 20th annual Rubber Duck Derby, on the steps of City Hall in Hamilton.

This year’s Duck Derby will be held on Sunday, June 5th on Ordnance Island and King’s Square in the Historic Town of St. Georges. Friends of Hospice is the charity that supports Agape House and hospice care in Bermuda.

A spokesperson said, “The Derby is Friends of Hospice biggest fundraising event of the year. The goal for this year’s Derby is $200,000. Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited [BELCO] continues to be the proud Title Sponsor of this major fundraiser for Friends of Hospice.

Left to Right: Acting Leader of the Opposition David Burt; Sen. Lynne Woolridge, Junior Minister of Health; Mr. Denton Williams, COO, BELCO and Corporate Chair of RDD; Dr. Ian Fulton, Chair of Friends of Hospice; Acting Premier, Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin;

“To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the Derby will start at 12 noon, providing two additional hours to enable more of the community to attend and enjoy the activities on the day. The Corporate Duck Dash at 1:30 pm is the first race of the day.

“This year’s Derby will have a county fair atmosphere with lots of food vendors, a spectacular kiddie land and activities for everyone.

“New to the derby are: a plant stall [featuring cedar trees], a quilting booth, and a dance competition. There is also a fantastic line up of live entertainment and a BIG Surprise for the crowd.

“The funds raised this year will continue to support well-established Agape House services, therapies and training. Day Hospice for outpatients will be expanded to include the new Caregivers’ Day which provides respite for those who actively care for terminally ill family members at home.”

Denton Williams, BELCO Chief Operating Officer, said, “BELCO is pleased to celebrate 20 years of sponsoring The Rubber Duck Derby. The work of Friends of Hospice is important to Agape House and to hospice care in Bermuda.

“Friends of Hospice continues to expand programmes and services to individuals in need of hospice or palliative care, ensuring it is provided with dignity and comfort.”

Cathy Belvedere, Executive Director, said, “Whilst cancer diagnosis remains the mainstay of patient admission at Agape House, we also serve non-cancer patients, who have a range of other terminal illnesses.

“Some patients are with us for a brief stay for symptom management. This year we introduced our Day Programme for Caregivers, which is a spin off from our successful Outpatient Adult Day Hospice Programme, now in its fifth year.

Video of last year’s Rubber Duck Derby:

“We do everything possible to enhance the quality of life to ensure that everyone lives until they die. For the patients who are at Agape for end of life care, we have only one chance to get it right!.”

Friends of Hospice Chairman Dr. Ian Fulton thanked BELCO, raffle prize donors, the public and international and local businesses for their support throughout the years via corporate ducks, ticket sales and attending the races on Derby Day.

Dr. Fulton said, “Without the support every year from the Bermuda community, we would not be able to provide life-enhancing services to the patients and families of Agape House. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to pass our final days with dignity, peace and comfort.”

The spokesperson concluded saying, “The public is encouraged to attend the races and be a part of a fun-filled experience for all. Rubber Duck Derby tickets locations can be found on Friends of Hospice Facebook page or by calling Friends of Hospice at 232-0859.

“Tickets are now on sale and through June 5th. If anyone wishes to sell tickets for us to friends and family, they may also contact the office at 2320859 or email us at info@hospice.bm.”

#BELCO #CharityEvents #RubberDuckDerby

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